The Newfane Early Childhood Center will be closed again today ..Wednesday
October 1...because paint chips have been falling from the ceiling. Assistant
Principal Sharon Smith says kindergarten, pre-k, and Head Start classes are
cancelled. Kindergarten classes will resume tomorrow at the Elementary School
on the same schedule. Pre-K and Head Start classes are cancelled for the
rest of the week. Smith said they're optimistic pre-k will resume Monday at the
Early Childhood Center and Head Start will be at the Elementary school until
they're done with their remediation. The School Board met with the public last night to discuss the situation. Superintendent Gary Pogorzelski said the problem is in the beams and he had some testing done. None of the chips contained lead but he wanted to address it before it becomes a bigger problem. He said they've hired a lead containment consultant to look at the situation. He said once the problem is abated they would look at a long term solution.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
NIAGARA FALLS CITY COUNCIL
Lawmakers in the Falls voting last night to spend $10,000 to tackle
the problem of overgrown trees. That'll go for overtime but it's
expected the Forestry Department will need help so the Council
also told Public Works Director Dave Kinney to put together a
proposal to solicit bids from private companies. They didn't say how
much they plan to spend. The Council also awarded a $4.38-million
contract to Mark Cerrone Incorporated for the reconstruction of the
West Pedestrian Mall. The State has allocated $7.9-million for the
project which includes buying and teraing down the Wintergarden
and extending Old Falls Street to the entrance of the State Park.
A resolution to appoint former councilman Babe Rotella to the
city's three-member Civil Service Commission was pulled from the
agenda. He would have replaced Willie Fields who passed away
September 19.
the problem of overgrown trees. That'll go for overtime but it's
expected the Forestry Department will need help so the Council
also told Public Works Director Dave Kinney to put together a
proposal to solicit bids from private companies. They didn't say how
much they plan to spend. The Council also awarded a $4.38-million
contract to Mark Cerrone Incorporated for the reconstruction of the
West Pedestrian Mall. The State has allocated $7.9-million for the
project which includes buying and teraing down the Wintergarden
and extending Old Falls Street to the entrance of the State Park.
A resolution to appoint former councilman Babe Rotella to the
city's three-member Civil Service Commission was pulled from the
agenda. He would have replaced Willie Fields who passed away
September 19.
LOCKPORT PARKING RAMP
Lockport Mayor Mike Tucker said Monday four companies have
chosen to compete for the contract to design the city's new parking
ramp. They are Foit Albert Associates of Buffalo, the E-I Team from
Amherst, Kimball of Pittsburgh, and F-R-A of Henreitta. Each will get an
hour interview November 3. The company that's chosen will be asked
to submit two designs and prices for a two level underground ramp at
Main & Pine. One design calls for retail stores above it and there would
also be small street level park. The cost of tearing down the current
five level structure is part of the project.
chosen to compete for the contract to design the city's new parking
ramp. They are Foit Albert Associates of Buffalo, the E-I Team from
Amherst, Kimball of Pittsburgh, and F-R-A of Henreitta. Each will get an
hour interview November 3. The company that's chosen will be asked
to submit two designs and prices for a two level underground ramp at
Main & Pine. One design calls for retail stores above it and there would
also be small street level park. The cost of tearing down the current
five level structure is part of the project.
STATE BUDGET WOES
The governor said Monday he will meet with legislative leaders
Friday to brief them on the potential impact of the national
economic meltdown on the state budget. Paterson said 20%
of state revenues come from Wall Street and the impact would be
significant. He said his Administration is reviewing revenues for
September and would be issuing a new financial plan next month.
He said the state comptroller had accepted an invitation to take
part in Friday's session. Meantime local representatives Louise
Slaughter, Tom Reynolds, and Brian Higgins all voted for the
bailout plan which failed yesterday in the House. Reynolds said
he would have supported a more cost effective alternative if given
the opportunity but said he had learned you can't let the perfect
be the enemy of the good. He said too may jobs, homes, 401 k's
college educations and community banks are on the line to risk
further inaction. He said he relucantly voted yes but did so with a
heavy heart and the understanding the bill was not a cure-all.
He said the outcome means they have to work harder to reach a
bi-partisan compromise.
Friday to brief them on the potential impact of the national
economic meltdown on the state budget. Paterson said 20%
of state revenues come from Wall Street and the impact would be
significant. He said his Administration is reviewing revenues for
September and would be issuing a new financial plan next month.
He said the state comptroller had accepted an invitation to take
part in Friday's session. Meantime local representatives Louise
Slaughter, Tom Reynolds, and Brian Higgins all voted for the
bailout plan which failed yesterday in the House. Reynolds said
he would have supported a more cost effective alternative if given
the opportunity but said he had learned you can't let the perfect
be the enemy of the good. He said too may jobs, homes, 401 k's
college educations and community banks are on the line to risk
further inaction. He said he relucantly voted yes but did so with a
heavy heart and the understanding the bill was not a cure-all.
He said the outcome means they have to work harder to reach a
bi-partisan compromise.
Monday, September 29, 2008
TAX FORECLOSURE AUCTION
More than 80 tax foreclosed properties will go up for bid
October 11 when the County holds it's annual in-rem
auction, County Treasurer Dave Broderick says they
include homes, vacant lots, and commercial properties.
You can get a free sale catalogue at his office at 59 Park
Avenue or at the County Clerks office at 175 Hawley.The
sale will be conducted by Auctions International and the
properties can be viewed on their website as well. The
sale will be held at N-C-C-C.
October 11 when the County holds it's annual in-rem
auction, County Treasurer Dave Broderick says they
include homes, vacant lots, and commercial properties.
You can get a free sale catalogue at his office at 59 Park
Avenue or at the County Clerks office at 175 Hawley.The
sale will be conducted by Auctions International and the
properties can be viewed on their website as well. The
sale will be held at N-C-C-C.
SHOTS FIRED
Falls police recovered three shell casings Saturday night after
a teenager allegedly fired at a Cleveland Avenue couple as they
were sitting on their front porch. Police say the trouble
started about 5pm after the couple asked three teens walking
down the street to "keep it down" and stop using vulgar language.
They started to swear at them and one stopped about 50 yards away,
pulled out a handgun, and fired three shots. They fled between houses
and were able to elude police.
a teenager allegedly fired at a Cleveland Avenue couple as they
were sitting on their front porch. Police say the trouble
started about 5pm after the couple asked three teens walking
down the street to "keep it down" and stop using vulgar language.
They started to swear at them and one stopped about 50 yards away,
pulled out a handgun, and fired three shots. They fled between houses
and were able to elude police.
TAXES
County leaders met for 4 hours Saturday as they discussed
the framework for the proposed "Commission On Tax Relief."
The idea was suggested last week following the release of a new
report by the Tax Foundation showing the county was back on top
as the most taxed spot in the Nation. Majority Leader Rick Updegrove
said they discussed the Commission's framework and establish the
process by which the commission members would be selected. He said
their mission will be to identify the sources and offer real solutions.
The vice chair of the Legislature's Economic Development Committee,
Andrea McNulty, attended the work session along with several colleagues
from the legislature. McNulty said the commission would be modeled
after the state level "Commission On Property Tax Relief"
led by Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi. She said they
would challenge every taxing jurisdiction to find solutions.
There are more than 30 taxing entities in the County.
the framework for the proposed "Commission On Tax Relief."
The idea was suggested last week following the release of a new
report by the Tax Foundation showing the county was back on top
as the most taxed spot in the Nation. Majority Leader Rick Updegrove
said they discussed the Commission's framework and establish the
process by which the commission members would be selected. He said
their mission will be to identify the sources and offer real solutions.
The vice chair of the Legislature's Economic Development Committee,
Andrea McNulty, attended the work session along with several colleagues
from the legislature. McNulty said the commission would be modeled
after the state level "Commission On Property Tax Relief"
led by Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi. She said they
would challenge every taxing jurisdiction to find solutions.
There are more than 30 taxing entities in the County.
PURSES TAKEN AT GONZO'S
Two Lockport men were arrested just after 2am Sunday after they
allegedly stole purses at Gonzo's Bar at 11 Main Street. 23 year old
Scott French of 6601 Old Niagara Road was charged with grand
larceny, posssession of stolen property, three counts of possession of
a controlled substance, resisting arrest, and obstructing governmental
administration. Police said he was being chased by several patrons
when they got there. They initially followed him in a patrol car but it
ended in a short foot chase. He allegedly refused to comply when told
he was under arrest and had to be physically subdued. 24 year old
Brian Winslow of 79 Ontario was arrested inside the bar and charged
with possession of stolen property.
allegedly stole purses at Gonzo's Bar at 11 Main Street. 23 year old
Scott French of 6601 Old Niagara Road was charged with grand
larceny, posssession of stolen property, three counts of possession of
a controlled substance, resisting arrest, and obstructing governmental
administration. Police said he was being chased by several patrons
when they got there. They initially followed him in a patrol car but it
ended in a short foot chase. He allegedly refused to comply when told
he was under arrest and had to be physically subdued. 24 year old
Brian Winslow of 79 Ontario was arrested inside the bar and charged
with possession of stolen property.
SPOTLIGHT ON TALENT
A 15 year old Lockport High School student took first place
Saturday night at the second annual "Spotlight on Talent" at
the Palace. Joshua Vacanti won $400. He sang a song called
"Hero." Julie Patel of Wilson High took second place for her
song "Girl In 14G." Andrea Adinolfe, a Junior at Newfane, came
in third with an original song entitled "Dream." A country folk
ballad duet by Jim McCarthy and Mark Piret took fourth place.
About 300 people were at the fundraiser. The winners were
determined by audience reaction and three judges, Theresa
Wert, Paula Venne, and Geoff Perry.
Saturday night at the second annual "Spotlight on Talent" at
the Palace. Joshua Vacanti won $400. He sang a song called
"Hero." Julie Patel of Wilson High took second place for her
song "Girl In 14G." Andrea Adinolfe, a Junior at Newfane, came
in third with an original song entitled "Dream." A country folk
ballad duet by Jim McCarthy and Mark Piret took fourth place.
About 300 people were at the fundraiser. The winners were
determined by audience reaction and three judges, Theresa
Wert, Paula Venne, and Geoff Perry.
APARTMENT HOUSE FIRE
A fire in a 7-unit apartment building Sunday night at 616 Chestnut
in Niagara Falls did an estimated $50,000 damage. The blaze was
reported just before 8pm and was caused by unattended cooking.
It started in apartment six and the resident of that unit, 54 year old
John Bender, was taken to the Medical Center for treatment of
smoke inhalation, Eight other adults are being assisted by the
Red Cross. Firefighters were there about two hours.
in Niagara Falls did an estimated $50,000 damage. The blaze was
reported just before 8pm and was caused by unattended cooking.
It started in apartment six and the resident of that unit, 54 year old
John Bender, was taken to the Medical Center for treatment of
smoke inhalation, Eight other adults are being assisted by the
Red Cross. Firefighters were there about two hours.
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